Ksamil Islands Boat Tour: Routes, Prices & Insider Tips for 2026
A Ksamil islands boat tour is the one activity almost every visitor ends up booking, and for good reason. From the shore you only see a small part of what makes this coastline famous. Once you are on the water, the hidden coves, sea caves and empty white-sand beaches between Ksamil and the Greek border finally make sense.
This guide explains the main routes, what a tour actually costs, when to go, and the mistakes that ruin an otherwise perfect day at sea.
Why a Ksamil islands boat tour is worth it
Ksamil sits opposite a cluster of small islands, and most of the best swimming spots on this stretch of the Ionian coast are only reachable by boat. A half-day trip typically gives you:
- Swimming stops in water that is calm, shallow and unusually clear
- Access to beaches with no road connection and almost no crowds
- Sea caves and rock formations along the coastline south of Sarandë
- Views back toward Corfu, which sits only a few kilometres away
- Far better photos than anything you will get from a busy public beach
Private vs group boat tours
The first decision is the type of boat, not the route.
Group tours
You share a larger boat with other travellers on a fixed schedule. This is the budget-friendly option and a good choice for solo travellers and couples who do not mind company. Departure times are set, and stops last as long as the skipper allows.
Private tours
You get the boat, the skipper and the timing to yourself. Private trips work best for families, groups of friends, and anyone who wants to skip the crowded stops or stay longer in one bay. Browse the 5 islands private tour or the private sunset tour with champagne if you want the boat on your own terms.
Self-drive rental
If you are confident on the water, a boat rental in Ksamil lets you build your own route. Small boats are usually available without a licence, but always confirm this before you book.
The main routes explained
Around the 5 islands and the Twin Islands
The classic short trip. Roughly an hour, circling the islands directly in front of Ksamil with a stop for swimming at the Twin Islands. Ideal if you have half a day and want a taste of the coastline. See the 5 islands and Twin Islands tour.
North: seven destinations
Heads toward Mirror Beach (Pasqyra), Pigeon Cave and the bays north of Ksamil. A good mix of caves, cliffs and swimming stops. Available as a group departure or a private boat.
South: seven destinations
Follows the coast toward the Greek maritime border, with quieter beaches and fewer boats than the northern route. Check the south seven destinations tour.
Full-day trips: Tongo Island, Krorëz and Kakome
If you want a full day rather than a quick loop, the Tongo Island tour with BBQ lunch combines the Blue Lagoon, an uninhabited island and several hours on a remote beach. The pirate ship day tour to Krorëz and Kakome is the livelier version, with music and a party atmosphere on board.
Sunset cruises
Short, romantic and the best light of the day. Book the last slot before sunset rather than an afternoon departure.
How much does a boat tour in Ksamil cost?
Prices move with the season and with fuel costs, so treat these as rough ranges rather than fixed rates:
- Taxi boat to the islands: a few euros per person, return
- Group half-day tour: typically €20 to €40 per person
- Private one-hour tour: usually priced per boat, not per person
- Full-day tour with lunch: the most expensive option, but the best value per hour on the water
Always confirm what is included. Fuel, water, snorkelling gear and lunch are sometimes extra. If you are watching your budget, our guide on whether Ksamil is expensive breaks down realistic daily costs.
Best time of day to go
Morning departures (before 10:00) have the calmest sea, the fewest boats at each stop and the best underwater visibility. Midday is the busiest and hottest window. Late afternoon is quieter again and works well for sunset trips.
In July and August, book at least a day ahead. During peak weeks, the popular departures sell out by the previous evening.
What to bring on a Ksamil islands boat tour
- Reef-safe sunscreen and a hat, since there is little shade on most boats
- A dry bag or waterproof pouch for your phone
- Water shoes for rocky entries
- Cash in lekë for stops where card payments are not possible
- A light layer for the return trip, when the wind picks up
- Motion-sickness tablets if you are sensitive, especially in the afternoon
Mistakes to avoid
- Booking the cheapest tour without checking the route. Two tours at the same price can spend wildly different amounts of time actually swimming.
- Ignoring the wind forecast. On windy days the southern route gets choppy fast.
- Assuming there is food on board. Many short tours include nothing at all.
- Leaving your car in the wrong place. Parking near the port fills up early; see our notes on driving and parking in Ksamil.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a Ksamil islands boat tour take?
Short island loops last about one hour. Half-day tours run three to four hours, and full-day trips with lunch last six to eight hours.
Can you swim during the tour?
Yes. Almost every route includes at least one swimming stop, and full-day tours include several.
Are boat tours suitable for children?
Group tours and short island loops usually are. For young children, a private boat is calmer and easier to manage because you control the timing.
Do I need to book in advance?
In June, July and August, yes. In May and September you can often book on the day, though morning departures still fill first.
Plan your day on the water
If you only do one activity in Ksamil, make it a boat tour. Compare the routes above, pick a morning departure, and browse all of our boat tours in Ksamil to find the trip that matches your group. Questions about a specific route? Call us on +355 67 500 5999.